VOID: An audio-based social network.
My Role: Product Designer
Goal: Design an app that empowers users to create and build connections and community through audio-only posts.
ABOUT VOID
If you could say anything, what would it be?
All prominent social networks are limited to visual and written content leaving users blind to information that may be transferred via audio comprehension. Studies and 90’s romantic comedy Sleepless in Seattle reveal that attraction to a voice as well as vocal patterns or rhythms of speech may indicate strong attraction and potential compatibility.
By avoiding sensory overload with pictures and text, VOID invites users to tune in and become vulnerable by encouraging engagement via a different sense. Audio posts welcome both the bold and the timid for a new virtual social experiment.
background & research
During COVID and lockdown, users began using technology in new, creative ways to communicate and socialize. There has been a surge of people using Tik Tok to tell stories, comedians going Live on Instagram and groups of people gathering with friends via Zoom. Even dating apps started encouraging users to go on video dates. People have adjusted and found new ways to use social media to create and connect. An audio-only platform allows users to be creative and engage with others through a new medium.
Podcasts & Audio books
One study suggests people feel more connected to others when they communicated through talking rather than writing.
According to the researchers, the voice alone, without any visual cues, appeared to play a crucial role in establishing a connection.
Podcasting has become an increasingly popular form of audio entertainment, education, and communication in recent years.
In the realm of podcasting, the audience often feels a sense of connection to the host as they listen to a genuine, human voice. The medium of audio creates the illusion of being in the same physical space as the storyteller, allowing listeners to fully immerse themselves in the emotional resonance of the narrative.
Rise of Content Creation & Online Communities
In addition to users being more active on social media, according to studies users have become more creative and engaged with content creation. During lockdown period, over 90% more time was used on social media creating and editing images, videos and content.
This increase in content creation and interaction has formed online communities. Users have become more empowered to share ideas and connect over niche interests.
Competitive Analysis
I did a competitive analysis of popular social media apps focusing on content creation and user interactions.
The competitive analysis help to identify how Void can differentiate itself from other popular apps. In addition, it was beneficial to evaluate strengths of each app and which which features we should implement to improve usability.
Design
Features
“THE VOID”: Audio posts will be displayed and users can listen, “like” or reply to posts. Similar to popular social media apps, users can scroll through the feed to find content. There is also a search feature where users can search by tags.
AUDIO MESSAGES: Users can record an audio post up to 15 minutes long. There is an option to add tags to the video that correlate to the type of content which will help categorize audio messages.
LIKES: Users can “like” an audio post which goes into a tab in their profile. Users can revisit your likes at any time to listen again.
INBOX: The inbox is where a users can see who liked a post or followed them. There is also a section for messages with other users.
ACCESSIBILITY: While VOID is an audio-based social network, it’s important to consider user accessibility which is why we have translations for each audio message.